Bordetella pertussis culture
Bordatella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. The disease is characterised by a mild respiratory infection following a 7-10 days incubation period. The cough changes character after 1-2 weeks and becomes more paroxysmal followed by an inspiratory "whooping" sound. The cough ultimately subsides after 1-2 months.
Manual culture and plate reading
| Tube | Blue topped wire pernasal swab |
|---|---|
| ID | 3620 |
| Availability | Mon- Sun 8.30 - 5pm |
| Additional Information | Positive cultures will be referred to the reference laboratory at Colindale for confirmation. If patients have been started on erythromycin or other macrolides culture is not recommended as yield is reduced. In these instances, blood for Bordatella serology should be taken. In selected patients PCR detection can be discussed with the laboratory. |
| Turn Around | 9 days |
| Send to | LGI Microbiology Department |
| Collection Con | To obtain a pernasal sample: using the special flexible wire-shafted swab, gently insert swab into one nostril straight back (not upwards) until it reaches the posterior wall. The distance from the nose to the ear gives an estimate of how far back the swab should be inserted. Do not force the swab. If an obstruction is encountered, try the other one. Rotate the swab a few times, loosening the cells in the mucus cavity and then remove |
| Sample REQ | I |
| IP Routine TAT | 9 days |
| GP Acute TAT | |
| GP Routine TAT | 9 days |
